Professional Appointments:

• Consulting from Healthcare on Collins, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Chief Medical Officer, Racing Victoria.
• Chair, AFL Players Association (AFLPA), Health and Safety Wellbeing Committee
• Medical Advisor, WorkSafe, Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Comcare.
• Surgical Assistant, Orthopaedics, Epworth Hospital.
• AFL Team Doctor – Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants for AFL, VFL and AFLW Fixtures in Victoria.

LinkedIn: Ben Barresi

Professional Summary:

I have worked as a GP and sports medicine doctor since 2001 in Bundoora, Warburton, East Keilor, Essendon and since 2004 at The Melbourne Sports Medicine Centre (now Healthcare on Collins).     

Since 2001, I have held appointments at Essendon Football Club, Carlton Football Club and Greater Western Sydney (GWS) as a Match Day Doctor and Chief Medical Officer.  

In my training with the RACGP, I developed an interest in the management of mental health disorders and substance use disorders.   I have been a Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) for Healthscope at drug and alcohol/mental health facilities in Warburton, Ivanhoe and Richmond providing GP liaison support for patients with these specific conditions. 

From 2004, I have provided medical support to the Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA) and in July 2023 I was appointed as the Chief Medical Officer for Racing Victoria.

In 2024, I was appointed Chair of the AFL Players Association (AFLPA) Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee. 

I have an interest in helping sporting participants with management of injuries and health conditions that impact their capacity to engage in sport and exercise at any level, from when they are actively engaged in sport, and to when they transition from sport into an alternative careers and activities.

In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, watching any form of sport (football, cricket, tennis, golf, soccer, thoroughbred racing), travel, and a walk along the beach with my family and two dogs.    

Special interests:

• Sports medicine
• Chronic disease management
• Mental health
• Alcohol and substance use disorders
• Men’s health.
• Occupational medicine

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (University of Melbourne), 1997.
• Fellowship of Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) in 2003.  

Professional Memberships and Positions:

• Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
• AFL Doctors Association
• Port Melbourne Football Club (VFL) – 1999-2000.
• Essendon Football Club (VFL) – 2001
• Carlton Football Club – Medical Officer – 2002 – 2013.
• Commonwealth Games – Medical Officer – 2006.
• AFL Doctors Association Secretary – 2008 – 2013.
• Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants – match day doctor for Victorian fixtures  – 2016 – present, coverage of both AFL and VFL games.

Professional Achievements:

• AFL Doctors Association Meritorious Service Award in 2014.

Availability:
To schedule an appointment with Dr Barresi on Tuesdays and Thursdays please contact the clinic on  on (03) 9650 4284 or book online.